Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere

The Átl'ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound watershed includes a majestic fjord perched spectacularly on the edge of Metro Vancouver, that includes Squamish, Britannia Beach and Furry Creek. Its landscape is dramatically scenic and encompasses remarkably diverse habitats capable of supporting over 5000 known marine and terrestrial species. This watershed provides critical ecosystem services, exceptional conservation, ecological, recreational and aesthetic values.

An integral part of the homeland of the people of the Skwxwú7mesh Uxwumixw (Squamish Nation), the region has served to provide the essentials of life for the Squamish and other Coast and Interior Salish people for the past 10,000 years or more. The marine and terrestrial resources of the Sound and its surrounding forest-clad mountains continue to be a valuable source of social and ecological goods and services for all who live in its sphere.

In 2021, UNESCO designated this region as the Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Region, recognizing its global ecological significance along with its rejuvenation following almost a century of degradation from colonial and industrial harm. The biosphere region became only the 19th biosphere region in Canada and third in BC. Today, around 50,000 people live in communities hugging the coastline and millions more visit this spectacular region. 

How to Explore It

The region covers 2,000 square kilometres from mountain peak to ocean floor, so there are plenty of ways to explore it's beauty. Whether you're hiking and biking on land, or paddling, boating or diving within Howe Sound, you are exploring this incredible and delicate Biosphere. However you choose to explore, please do so responsibly and ethicially. Practice Leave No Trace recreation, and leave places the way you found them - or better.